I had heard about Finland’s progressive culture and positive action on climate change. However, it wasn’t until I was on the ground and hearing from locals about clean tech, partnerships and new business models that I got a true sense of it. When I met with Tiina Kähö, Executive Director of Helsinki Metropolitan Smart and … More How Innovative Partnerships Can Transform Cities
After docking the trusty old ‘Viking’ ferry, it was time for me to explore my next stop, Helsinki. I battled like nothing else trying to navigate my big blue bag through the cobblestone streets and found myself repeatedly cursing my decision to switch from backpack to wheely suitcase. It was all worth it in the … More Sustainable Travel Guide: Helsinki
‘Sometimes we joke that our children are owned by the state and we just borrow them.’ A local shared this anecdote with me after telling how his children have to do an annual survey that asks about their food habits at home. If the school deems that they are not eating healthy enough then a … More Sustainable Travel Guide: Stockholm
Breaking into the workforce can be a challenge for many recent graduates around the world. It can be even harder for those who want to bring their purpose and passion into the workforce. This was the problem for about 12 founders including Markus and Simon (who are still working at Sustainergies) about 10 years ago … More Sustainable Talent: How a Non-Profit Bridges The Gap For Businesses and Students
Debating which ramen I should buy in a Tokyo supermarket, an older Japanese lady decided it was the perfect time to start a conversation. She spoke in very fast Japanese about how the Fukushima disaster has changed agriculture in Japan and means that a lot of food is now imported from overseas. She looked at … More Sustainable Travel Guide: Tokyo
The plastic epidemic has reached a crisis point and there is growing acceptance that practices must change. These practices must be acknowledged from both a business and consumer level. Businesses need to minimise the plastic in production and we as consumers need to look for alternatives. However, it is often perceived as ‘too hard’ to … More 5 Practical Tips to Reduce Your Waste
The Olympic and Paralympic games are an exciting time for viewers around the world. As the Olympics and Paralympics will be held in Tokyo next year, I have been asking locals if they are excited. The general consensus is a subtle eye roll and an even more subtle shake of their head. When I ask … More How the 2020 Olympics Could Change Japan for Good
Researching about sustainability, startups and social innovation for my global trip would often include endless keyword searches leading to infinite pages and bizarre paths. Luckily for me, Japan was easy! I typed in ‘social innovation Japan’ and front and centre was Robin Lewis with his latest venture, Social Innovation Japan. I was fortunate enough to … More Social Innovation Perspectives in Japan: Robin Lewis [Interview]
What is happening on the streets of Hong Kong with regards to sustainability? Well, when it comes to food things are starting to happen which is good for tourists and locals alike. However, there are big challenges regarding population growth, waste management and sustainable shopping that is impacting the lives of locals. Here is a … More Sustainable Travel Guide: Hong Kong
‘In school, I was called ‘the original’, because I didn’t really fit in anywhere.’ Philippe Guichard, an award-winning Industrial Designer reflected as we sat in a busy Nursery Cafe in Coburg, Melbourne. Although at the time being a misfit was hard, he has used it to his advantage and built a career outside the box. … More Philippe Guichard: Designing for the greater good [Interview]
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